It seems a classic sci-fi horror tale is getting a modern, super-sized makeover. Margot Robbie is reportedly in early talks to star in Tim Burton’s reimagining of the 1958 cult classic, Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman. What’s more, Robbie’s own production company, LuckyChap, is also in discussions to produce the film for Warner Bros.
Could this be the perfect storm of talent to bring this B-movie monster back to the big screen? Let’s break down what we know.
a classic tale reimagined
The original Attack of the Fifty Foot Woman tells the story of Nancy Archer, a wealthy heiress who, after a close encounter with an alien, grows to a colossal size. Fueled by this newfound power, she seeks revenge on her unfaithful husband. It’s a classic tale of scorn, sci-fi, and spectacle that has cemented its place in monster movie history.
News first broke in February that the master of gothic fantasy, Tim Burton, was attached to direct a new version. With his signature quirky and visually distinct style, who better to tackle a story that balances horror with camp? Burton is no stranger to reimagining classics, and his recent success with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice proves he still has the magic touch for blending the strange and wonderful.
a powerhouse team-up
The potential addition of Margot Robbie and LuckyChap adds another exciting layer. Following the monumental success of Barbie, which grossed $1.45 billion to become the highest-grossing film in Warner Bros. history, the studio is keen to continue the partnership. LuckyChap, co-founded by Robbie, Tom Ackerley, and Josey McNamara, has a knack for producing unique, female-led stories, making them an ideal fit for this project.
According to Variety, Robbie’s involvement as an actor would depend on the final script. Gillian Flynn, the acclaimed writer behind Gone Girl, penned an initial draft but has since left the project due to other commitments. The search for a new writer is currently underway.
what this means for monster fans
A collaboration between Tim Burton and Margot Robbie is the kind of Hollywood pairing that gets you talking. Burton’s flair for the fantastical and Robbie’s proven star power could elevate this cult classic to a whole new level.
We’re left with so many questions. What will Burton’s vision of the Fifty Foot Woman look like? Will it lean more into horror, or will it embrace the satirical and campy elements of the original? How will a modern script reinterpret the story’s themes of female empowerment and betrayal?
While nothing is set in stone, the prospect of this film is certainly something for monster fans to keep an eye on. We’ll be watching this one closely as it develops.